Some action verbs can also be Linking verbs. In these cases, it is because those verbs connect a description of the emotional or physical condition of the subject or give a role the subject took on. In the following examples, the verb is in boldface and the Complement is italicized in the Linking verb sentences.

Ex. She feels the soft fur of the cat. (Action)

She feels sick today. (Linking)

Tom looked for his golf clubs. (Action)

Tom looked exhausted after his workout. (Linking)

We grew tomatoes in our yard. (Action)

We grew impatient as we waited in line. (Linking)

Tim tasted that pizza. (Action)

That pizza tasted delicious. (Linking)

This list of additional Linking verbs is:

feel, taste, look, smell, appear, grow, remain, stay, turn, seem, sound, become

Exercise 9:

In the following sentences, underline the subjects once and verbs twice. Then indicate if the verb is action (A), State-of-Being (SOB), or Linking (L).

1. The rock star appeared on stage 25 minutes late.
2. We weren’t there the whole time.
3. The vegetables turned brown in the heat of the day.
4. We became impatient waiting in line.
5. The girl looks nice in her summer outfit.
6. Mark had been looking for Renee all night.
7. He should have been angry.
8. The class has been here all semester.
9. That music sounds beautiful.
10. Three beautiful little kittens looked lost and abandoned.